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Our corporate it department initially resisted wireless networks, but we rogue users (a.k.a. PC Magazine Labs) installed one years ago. Eventually the IT department decided it was a good thing, and now nearly everyone in our office with a laptop uses it. A wireless network is especially convenient for taking notes and looking things up during meetings. Here's my advice for wireless network users at the office.

Just accept that IT will want security restrictions you won't want. Remember, the restrictions are for your own good.

Don't abuse the privilege by streaming lots of video over your connection. And when you're in meetings, you still need to pay attention (read: keep instant messaging to a minimum).

Determine which users would really be more productive on a wireless network. I find that wireless access is best for people who are frequently in meetings or aren't attached to a desk all day. Even if most of your users have desktops, consider the high cost of moving them from one place to another. If they move often, wireless networking may be less expensive.

Make sure your network is secure. Turn off the broadcast of the SSID, turn on WEP or (even better) WPA, and consider RADIUS authentication to ensure that only authorized people can get to your network. Keep on top of security issues, and make sure all your servers are patched.

Watch out for rogue access points and wireless networks. You should check your network at least once a week and buy a professional tool such as AirDefense (www.airdefense.net) or AirMagnet Distributed (www.airmagnet.com) to check your perimeter for holes.

Consider installing dual access points or networks: one for your employees and another for customers and suppliers who need Internet access but not access to your network. This is a great setup but requires an additional level of administration.

Michael J. Miller's Forward Thinking Blog: forwardthinking.pcmag.com
Michael J. Miller is chief information officer at Ziff Brothers Investments, a private investment firm. From 1991 to 2005, Miller was editor-in-chief of PC Magazine, responsible for the editorial direction, quality and presentation of the world's largest computer publication.
Until late 2006, Miller was the Chief Content Officer for Ziff Davis Media, responsible for overseeing the editorial positions of Ziff Davis's magazines, websites, and events. As Editorial Director for Ziff Davis Publishing since 1997, Miller took an active role in...
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